He began his football career as an apprentice with Birmingham City in 1977, and turned professional two years later.
A useful reserve team player, Linney appeared only once for Birmingham's first team,[2] as substitute for Neil Whatmore in the 2–1 First Division win at home to Stoke City on 13 March 1982, shortly after Ron Saunders had taken over from Jim Smith as manager.
[3] Released when Saunders reduced the size of the squad, Linney rejoined Smith at Oxford United,[2] where he played 37 games in all competitions in the 1982–83 season,[4] of which 26 were in the Third Division.
[5] Yeovil were relegated the next season to the Isthmian League Premier Division, after which Linney contributed to two consecutive runners-up spots before they finally won the Isthmian League title and promotion back to the top level of non-league football in 1987–88.
[2] In recognition of his five years' service, Yeovil awarded him a testimonial match, against Bristol City at the end of the 1988–89 season.